Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Joe Rogan

Public opinion and media debates around Joe Rogan—discover key moments of controversy.

Joe Rogan is an American podcaster, UFC color commentator, comedian, actor, and former television host best known for hosting The Joe Rogan Experience. His podcast is globally recognized, topping Spotify's streaming charts since 2020 and featuring diverse guests and wide-ranging conversations. Rogan's influence extends beyond podcasting through his stand-up comedy, acting roles, and involvement with the UFC.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1993: Accusations of Carlos Mencia

Since 1993, Joe Rogan was accusing comedian Carlos Mencia of joke thievery.

2005: Accusations of Carlos Mencia

In 2005, Joe Rogan wrote a blog entry accusing comedian Carlos Mencia of joke thievery, a claim he had made since 1993.

February 2007: Confrontation with Carlos Mencia

In February 2007, Joe Rogan confronted comedian Carlos Mencia on stage at The Comedy Store in Hollywood over alleged joke thievery.

2010: Accusation of Joke Thievery

In 2010, Joe Rogan accused comedian Dane Cook of stealing jokes.

2020: Doubts About 2020 Election Fraud

In July 2025, Joe Rogan said that Donald Trump had no evidence to support the claim that there was widespread election fraud that caused Trump to lose the 2020 presidential election.

April 2021: Contentious Remarks About COVID-19 Vaccines

In April 2021, Joe Rogan made contentious remarks about COVID-19 vaccines, claiming that young, healthy people do not need to be vaccinated against the virus, leading to criticism from experts and media outlets.

September 1, 2021: Joe Rogan Tests Positive for Virus and Begins Treatment Regimen

On September 1, 2021, Joe Rogan announced he tested positive for the virus and started a treatment plan that included monoclonal antibodies, prednisone, azithromycin, NAD drip, a vitamin drip, and ivermectin. This sparked controversy due to ivermectin's ineffectiveness against viruses like COVID-19, as stated by medical experts, and reports of hospitalizations from self-medicating with livestock ivermectin.

January 2022: Scientists, Physicians, and Healthcare Workers Write Open Letter to Spotify Over Rogan's COVID-19 Misinformation

In January 2022, a letter was sent to Spotify, signed by 270 scientists, physicians, professors, doctors, and healthcare workers, expressing concern about "false and societally harmful assertions" on The Joe Rogan Experience, particularly regarding COVID-19 misinformation. The signatories urged Spotify to implement a clear policy to moderate misinformation, specifically citing an episode with Robert W. Malone.

January 24, 2022: Neil Young Demands Spotify Remove Music Over Joe Rogan's Podcast

On January 24, 2022, Neil Young demanded Spotify remove his music if they did not remove The Joe Rogan Experience, citing Spotify's responsibility to mitigate the spread of misinformation.

February 4, 2022: Spotify Removes 70 Joe Rogan Episodes

On February 4, 2022, Spotify removed 70 episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience that pre-date the COVID-19 pandemic, after discussions with Rogan regarding racially insensitive language.

February 2022: Controversy Over Racial Slur Usage

In February 2022, India Arie shared a compilation of Joe Rogan saying a racial slur on The Joe Rogan Experience, leading to an apology from Rogan and debates over context and political motivations, with UFC fighters defending Rogan.

February 2022: Spotify Removes Episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience

In February 2022, Spotify removed 113 episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience due to concerns over racist and insensitive language.

April 2022: Joe Rogan Comments on Transgender Women in Sports

In April 2022, Joe Rogan commented on transgender women competing in women's sports, including MMA, and stated that transgender swimmer Lia Thomas "might be the woke straw that breaks society's camel's back". He also critiqued transgender martial artist Fallon Fox, citing bone structure differences.

October 2022: Joe Rogan Shares Litter Box Hoax on Podcast

In October 2022, while interviewing Tulsi Gabbard, Joe Rogan shared the discredited hoax about public schools providing litter boxes to students who dress up as cats. Rogan later acknowledged the lack of proof but falsely claimed there were discussions considering the idea.

February 2023: Joe Rogan Makes Comments About Jewish People and Money

During an episode of his podcast in February 2023, Joe Rogan stated that the "idea that Jewish people are not into money is ridiculous," defending Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. This comment was condemned by the Anti-Defamation League as reflecting antisemitic tropes.

February 2024: Joe Rogan Promotes Debunked Claims About AIDS on Podcast

In a February 2024 podcast with Bret Weinstein, Joe Rogan promoted the debunked claim that party drugs like poppers were a factor in AIDS and falsely claimed that the antiviral drug AZT killed people faster than AIDS. He also praised AIDS denialist Peter Duesberg. The American Foundation for AIDS Research criticized the podcast for disseminating false information.

March 2024: Rogan Described Israel's Actions as "Genocide"

In March 2024, Joe Rogan described Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip as a "genocide" and later appreciated Coleman Hughes' counter perspective on the issue.

April 2024: Lawsuit Filed Against Onnit

In April 2024, a lawsuit was filed against Onnit, alleging that its 'Alpha BRAIN' supplement was deceptively advertised and performed no better than a placebo.

November 2024: Criticism of Biden and Zelenskyy

In November 2024, Joe Rogan criticized U.S. President Joe Biden for allowing Ukraine to strike mainland Russia with US-supplied missiles and criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

2024: Support and Criticism of Donald Trump

In 2024, Joe Rogan supported Donald Trump but later criticized some of his policies.

April 2025: Criticism of Trump's Deportation Operations

In April 2025, Joe Rogan referred to the Trump administration's operation to deport immigrants to El Salvador as "horrific."

April 2025: Joe Rogan Comments on the Re-emergence of the Disability Slur "Retard"

In April 2025, Rogan stated that the re-emergence of the disability slur "retard" into the mainstream is "one of the greatest cultural victories that I think is spurred on, probably, by podcasts".

June 2025: Liver King Arrested after Threatening Rogan

In June 2025, fitness influencer Liver King was arrested after making violent consecutive threats against Joe Rogan on social media.

July 2025: Discontentment with Trump's Handling of Epstein Files

In July 2025, Joe Rogan expressed his discontentment with the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein files on his podcast. Rogan also expressed concern regarding the deportation of foreign students on college campuses.

September 2025: Joe Rogan Criticized for Misinterpreting Global Temperature Chart

In September 2025, Joe Rogan was criticized by Jessica Tierney for his interpretation of a global temperature chart. Rogan claimed global temperatures are cooling based on the chart, despite evidence of global warming.